Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has offered fresh insights into his June 2024 victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Although he secured a fifth-round submission, Makhachev believes he could have delivered a knockout if not for coach Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cautious strategy. As he gears up for his highly anticipated bout at UFC 311 against Arman Tsarukyan, the Dagestani fighter reflects on the lessons learned and how they shape his future in the lightweight division.
A dominant win, but striking potential left untapped
At UFC 302, Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title against one of the UFC’s most decorated strikers, Dustin Poirier. While Makhachev’s grappling prowess ultimately sealed the win, he admitted that his striking game—an area he has been developing—could have ended the fight earlier.
“If Khabib let me strike more in that fight, I could have knocked Dustin out,” Makhachev revealed during an interview with CBS Sports. “I landed strong combinations—one-two, one-two-three—but Khabib told me to take him down. He chose the easier path because everyone knows Dustin’s wrestling is his weakness.”
Despite following his coach’s advice, Makhachev demonstrated his evolving skills on the feet, surprising many by outboxing Poirier in several exchanges. Known for his dominance in chain wrestling and grappling, Makhachev’s ability to adapt and excel in striking has added a new dimension to his fighting style.
Learning from mistakes: Makhachev reflects on UFC 302
Although victorious, Makhachev openly criticized his own performance against Poirier, highlighting mistakes that he believes could have been costly. Speaking on Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel, he said, “I had the kimura locked, and I thought it was over. But I didn’t finish it properly. Poirier came prepared, and he defended my takedowns better than I expected.”
For Makhachev, the fight was a reminder that even champions have room to grow. He has since studied the bout extensively, identifying areas for improvement in both his grappling transitions and striking setups. “I know what I did wrong, and I know what I need to fix,” he added, signaling his commitment to refining his already formidable skillset.
UFC 311: A pivotal rematch with Arman Tsarukyan
On January 18, 2025, Makhachev will face Arman Tsarukyan in what promises to be a tactical rematch. Their first encounter in 2019 was a closely contested three-round war, with Makhachev emerging victorious via unanimous decision. However, Tsarukyan has since transformed into one of the division’s top contenders, known for his relentless pressure and well-rounded game.
The event is set to take place in Los Angeles, though ongoing wildfires in the region could force a venue change. Regardless of location, the stakes remain high for both fighters. A victory for Makhachev would reinforce his dominance as the pound-for-pound king, while Tsarukyan will be looking to avenge his previous loss and claim the lightweight title.
Impact on the lightweight division
Makhachev’s continued success has reshaped the lightweight division, setting a new benchmark for what it means to be a complete fighter. His ability to integrate striking, grappling, and cage control has made him a nightmare matchup for any contender. However, his recent comments about Khabib’s strategies suggest that fans might see a more aggressive, knockout-focused version of the champion in future fights.
For Dustin Poirier, his resilience against Makhachev has kept him among the lightweight elite. His ability to defend takedowns and compete in striking exchanges could serve as a blueprint for other challengers aiming to dethrone the Dagestani champion.
As UFC 311 approaches, all eyes will be on Makhachev to see how he applies the lessons learned from his fight with Poirier. Will he stick to Khabib’s calculated game plans, or will he unleash his striking to deliver a highlight-reel finish? One thing is certain: the lightweight division remains one of the most competitive and exciting landscapes in MMA, with Makhachev standing tall as its undisputed ruler.
Whether it’s through his precision in striking, his unmatched grappling, or his evolving adaptability, Makhachev continues to redefine dominance in the octagon. Fans eagerly await UFC 311, where the champion’s next chapter will unfold in what could be his most challenging test yet.
